Graduate Scheme - Business Consultant

Columbus; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital solutions firm is offering an Associate Business Consultant role through its 2026 Graduate Programme in Northampton. The program is designed for graduates from various backgrounds, providing training in Microsoft D365 and consultancy skills. Candidates should possess a minimum 2:1 degree and be willing to relocate to Nottingham for initial training. The role offers competitive salary progression and the potential for a rewarding career in business consulting.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Access to fitness & wellbeing suite

Hybrid working

Free Microsoft certifications

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham for 6 months.
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and abroad.
• Ability to drive with access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultancy expertise throughout the project lifecycle of an ERP implementation.
• Engage with clients to tackle complex business challenges.
• Participate in comprehensive training and development on Dynamics 365.

Skills

Strong relationship-building skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Oral/written communication skills

Proactive and confident understanding of the business landscape

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in relevant fields

Job description

Associate Business Consultant – Graduate Programme (2026)

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of cutting‑edge technology and business transformation? Columbus, a global leader in digital solutions and consulting, is thrilled to announce our 2026 Microsoft D365 Graduate Programme is now open for registration.

Whilst we work in digital transformation and ERP systems, we aren't after "Techies" - our graduates are from a range of subject backgrounds, and are trained to be client‑facing business consultants.

Location

Must be willing to be Nottingham office‑based for the initial training 6 months, min. 3 Days in our office p/w – Cubo, Standard Court, NG1. Following the completion of the 6‑month initial Training, you can base yourself anywhere in the UK.

Salary

c£29,000 basic salary & benefits. (rising to c£60,000 after 4 years dependent on performance)

Starting

September 2026 - actual date tbc

Online Test

Following submission of your CV application, you will be sent an online psychometric test which needs to be completed ahead of the closing date.

Closing Date for Applications and Online Test

Midnight Sunday 1st of February 2026

Programme Highlights

• Comprehensive training and development on Dynamics 365 leading by industry experts.
• Transparent salary progression through clear goal milestones.
• Global exposure during initial six‑month training via collaboration with graduates from Europe.
• Hands‑on experience on real client projects allowing you to tackle complex business challenges.
• Mentorship and continuous guidance from senior consultants.
• Opportunities for Microsoft Certifications and a clear career progression path.
• Culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

The Role of Associate Business Consultant

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed and newly or recently qualified graduates, Early Careers Consultants, or those looking for a career change, to join our Graduate/Accelerator Training Programme in September 2026.

The experience, knowledge, and skills you will gain on this scheme will:

• Give you an in‑depth understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementations.
• Offer you the opportunity to quickly become a respected and credible Microsoft Dynamics Business Consultant.
• Help you to become an expert in your field of business and a trusted advisor to our customers.
• Provide you with a rewarding career pathway at Columbus.

You will be based in our consultancy department and will provide consultancy expertise throughout the project lifecycle of an ERP implementation. It is therefore essential that you are commercially focused, a positive self‑starter and have strong relationship‑building, interpersonal, organisational, and oral/written communication skills.

About You (Essentials)

• Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent qualifications/experience) in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham/Office Based for 6 months.
• Proactive, confident understanding of the business landscape.
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and abroad.
• Ability to drive with access to a vehicle.

What We Can Offer

You will be part of both a local and global team, where you not only share knowledge but also a laugh or two. We value our employees and leave room for flexibility so that you can enjoy a work‑life balance.

You Will Get

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service)
• Hybrid working
• Private medical insurance
• Modern air‑conditioned city centre office space, with breakout areas, barista‑style coffee, access to fitness & wellbeing suite, free beer, and fizz after hours.
• Columbus benefits hub – discounts on tickets, shopping, car leasing, holidays, food and more.
• Access to free training courses delivered by Columbus Academy.
• Free Microsoft certifications and access to Microsoft Learn.
• Personal pension plan.
• Life assurance 4× salary.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• £2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals.
• Company awards & recognition.
• Annual company special recognition awards with prizes.
• Employee of the Year & Employees Employee of the Year.
• Long service awards.
• Employee wellbeing program with free fruit, Westfield Health assistance line, mental health first aiders, and suggestion boxes.

Next Steps

Apply now and unlock your potential with Columbus! Together, let's transform businesses and make an impact that lasts a lifetime.

Visit our website or contact us for more information.

In the meantime, check us out on Instagram or LinkedIn.

STAY CURIOUS, COLLABORATE, BUILD TRUST, and DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS.